No. 2 Georgia is gearing up to face No. 7 Notre Dame in the highly anticipated College Football Playoff quarterfinals this Wednesday. However, the excitement surrounding this clash is overshadowed by a significant storyline: the absence of Georgia quarterback Carson Beck, who has been a pivotal player for the Bulldogs this season.
Beck’s journey took a sharp turn when he suffered an elbow injury during the SEC Championship game against Texas. Following the injury, he underwent surgery to repair his UCL on December 23 and subsequently declared for the 2025 NFL Draft just five days later. This unexpected turn of events leaves Georgia in a crucial position as they prepare for their playoff run.
Georgia’s Quarterback Depth Chart
As the Bulldogs move forward without their starting quarterback, attention shifts to the depth chart behind Beck. The team has several options to choose from, and the coaching staff is optimistic about their readiness.
| Rank | Quarterback |
| 1 | Gunner Stockton |
| 2 | Ryan Puglisi |
| 3 | Jaden Rashada |
| 4 | Colter Ginn |
No. 1: Gunner Stockton
Leading the charge is Gunner Stockton, who stepped in for the injured Beck during the SEC title game. In that game, Stockton completed 12 passes for 71 yards and threw one interception, while also contributing eight rushing yards. This redshirt sophomore has been with the Bulldogs since 2022 and has accumulated 37 completions for 354 yards, along with two touchdowns and two interceptions over the past two seasons.
What’s fascinating about Stockton is his down-to-earth personality; while Beck was known for cruising around campus in a Lamborghini, Stockton prefers the charm of a 1984 Ford F-150. This contrast reflects his humble approach as he prepares to lead the Bulldogs in their playoff journey.
No. 2: Ryan Puglisi
Next in line is true freshman Ryan Puglisi, who has quickly ascended the depth chart. Earlier in the season, redshirt freshman Jaden Rashada was expected to be the backup, but Puglisi has proven himself worthy of the No. 2 spot.
Puglisi, a four-star prospect and the No. 10 ranked quarterback from the class of 2024, has an impressive high school record. During his last two seasons at Avon Old Farms High School, he threw for 3,597 yards, racking up 30 touchdown passes and three rushing touchdowns. His performance in practice has caught the attention of the coaching staff, as he, along with Stockton and Rashada, took reps in that order earlier this week.
No. 3: Jaden Rashada
Jaden Rashada, the third-string quarterback, has had a tumultuous journey leading to his current position. Transferring from Arizona State, Rashada was initially a highly touted four-star prospect, ranked as the No. 7 quarterback from the class of 2023. His commitment to the University of Florida ended in controversy when his NIL deal fell through, leading to a release from his letter of intent.
After signing with Arizona State, Rashada’s 2023 season was marred by injuries, limiting him to just three games where he completed 44 passes for 485 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions. Unfortunately, he did not participate in spring practices with Georgia due to ongoing recovery from those injuries.
No. 4: Colter Ginn
Rounding out the quarterback depth chart is true freshman Colter Ginn, a three-star prospect from Perry, Georgia. While Ginn is less experienced than his counterparts, he represents the future of Georgia football.
Additionally, early enrollee Hezekiah Millender, also a three-star quarterback from Georgia’s 2025 recruiting class, has been taking reps in practice. However, Millender will not be eligible to play in the Sugar Bowl, as he is part of the upcoming recruiting class.
Georgia’s Future Quarterback Recruits
Looking ahead, Georgia’s 2025 recruiting class is shaping up to be one of the strongest in the nation, currently ranked third nationally according to the 247Sports Composite. Among the notable signings is four-star quarterback Ryan Montgomery, who is the No. 10-ranked quarterback from the class of 2025. This influx of talent suggests that the Bulldogs are not only focused on the present but are also building a formidable future.
As the Bulldogs prepare for their playoff matchup against Notre Dame, the team is rallying around their new quarterback options. Georgia offensive coordinator Mike Bobo expressed confidence in the quarterback group, stating, “They’re getting more reps. They’ve done a nice job. You’re seeing less bad and seeing more good, and they’ve got to prepare because you never know, knock on wood, what’s going to happen at any given moment.”
The absence of Carson Beck is undoubtedly a blow to the Bulldogs, but this challenge opens the door for new talent to shine. With players like Stockton and Puglisi stepping up, Georgia fans have plenty of reasons to be hopeful as they embark on their playoff journey. Will the Bulldogs rise to the occasion? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the excitement of college football is alive and well in Athens!
